If planning a trip to Germany, the first question is usually where to fly. If coming from the US your most obvious choices are Frankfurt FRA or Dusseldorf DUS. Frankfurt is the bigger of the two and offers more airlines to choose from.
Frankfurt airport has 2 Terminals, T1 and T2. Train station is at T1. Rental cars are located in both Terminals. Use Sky Line (Free Shuttle) to get from one terminal to the other.
Germany has one of the best railway systems which usually have hubs directly at the airport which mean you can got off a plane and walk to the train. If you intend to visit both cites DUS and FRA you could fly to either one then take a train to the other. Train travel while for some is more economical requires timing, planning and you attention. You don't want to miss your train or your stop. For some it's better to rent a car for more freedom or ultimately use a tour service where you meet the group at the Frankfurt airport the day you arrive. They provide the transportation, hotel, planning and logistics, you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
When looking for cheap flights I like to start at kayak.com and enter several different dates, a few days prior and a few days before. Some airlines offer better rates if you stay more then 7 days and some travel is cheaper mid week.
I also check travelocity, orbitz and expedia as they sometimes have better deals. While you can get rock bottom deals with priceline and Hotwire pay close attention to flight duration and arrival times. The cheaper flights often have long layovers. Don't want to get stuck at an airport for 12 hours waiting on a connecting flight.
Optimal dates and time that work best for me are not Friday. I like to arrive around 10am - 2pm, this allows me time to get situated and get to the hotel to check in on time.
Note your departure time as well as on your last day if you're like me, you'll want to spend more time at your favorite club. The problem is if you get back to the hotel late this means you might have to get up early for that flight home. So try and get a departure that leaves at noon or later. This allows you a no rush, breakfast and departure. For those early risers this might not matter.
Note the time you arrive as some flights arrive in the early hours like 6am. Most hotels won't check you in until 12-2pm so you'll be stuck with your luggage and extra time. The airport does have paid luggage storage at Terminal 1. It's near area A.
ARRIVING:
When you get off the plane, note the gate and terminal and most likely you'll be returning to this same gate and terminal for your flight back home. Look for signs "Baggage or Gepack" and walk in the direction of those signs. On the way you'll enter "passport control" a sort of immigration for Germany. There are two lines EU and Non-EU, if you're not from Europe you want "non-EU. Have your passport ready, be prepared to answer "Business or Pleasure" which is the usually question. What is the purpose of your visit to Germany?
Once you clear passport control you'll be faced with a GREEN sign or a RED (something to declare) sign. Which is Zoll or customs, this is where you're expected to claim anything you bring into Germany, liquor, gifts etc. Most people walk thru GREEN (nothing to declare). But on occasion a customs person will stop you and ask to inspect your bag. Sometimes the ZOLL will be right after you claim your baggage as well. This is done since some people have only carry on while others have checked bags.
Next stop is baggage claim (Gepackausgabe) if you have checked bags, find your carousel, claim your bags and head for the exit. Again you'll pass customs with the Red or Green signs. Once pass the electric doors you're in the terminal (non-sterile area). Out the doors ahead you'll find taxi, buses and cars. Look for signs for the Train stations (Bahnhofe) with long distance or short distance trains.
You'll need to take an underground tunnel to the train station or the over head bridge.
Terminal one (T1) is divided by sections, A, B and C, as you enter T1 from your gate A is to the left and C to the right.
Terminal two (T2) has two areas E and D.
Terminal 2 has a store and services but T1 has more selection and options.
Frankfurt's airport has numerous shops, businesses and just about anything you need. Well they don't have an FKK club but they do have several adult book stores. In Area A on the lower level you'll find a grocery store. Mouthwash which seems to be something tourists buy due to the travel restrictions for liquids can be bought at Pharmacies (Apotheke in German). There are several located at the airport. There are also 3 Mc Donald's to give you an idea of size.
Once in the main terminal as stated stick to the signs, Rental Cars is written in English, Trains as well. Outside are shuttles and buses.
If you want the closest hotel then look no further then the Sheraton Hotel just across from the terminal, you can walk over the pedestrian bridge to the hotel lobby.
Stay clam, take your time, look for signs. Remember, Exit your gate, passport control, customs then baggage and customs. Next find your mode of transportation, train, bus, rental car or tour service.
If you've booked a hotel that offers shuttle service, you should ask what area they pick up or check at the information booth and ask.
